London-Based Artist’s Mumbai Show Gets Attention From Indian Billionaires

A new face is set to take the Indian art scene by storm. London-based artist Aslam Shaikh is already an established name in western fine art and art fair circles. However, a recent preview of Shaikh’s artworks may have officially launched the artist into the big league in India. In the run-up to the preview, it was reported that several Indian billionaires would be attending the Aslam Shaikh art show preview, ahead of his showing at the Jehangir Art Gallery in Mumbai from 2 August to 8 August.

The preview event was held on Saturday evening at the Trident, Mumbai. The preview featured Shaikh’s latest collection of paintings, which is entitled “Celestial Horses”. The theme of horses may well draw comparisons to the late M.F. Hussain who was known for his renderings of the elegant animals.

The event was organizes by Nina Pillai, a socialist turned curator, along with business savvy image consultant Chhaya Momaya. In the run-up to the preview, it was reported that Mukesh Ambani, Adi Godrej, Vijay Mallya, Kumar Mangalam Birla, Noel Tata, Sajjan Jindal, Venugopal Dhoot and a number of other big-time Indian tycoons would attend the event.

The movement of his bold strokes, sinuous figures and impasto work marks Shaikh’s art. He may still be a rank outsider in Mumbai, but the preview and the upcoming art exhibition should change things. Nina Pillai was instrumental in bringing Shaikh to Mumbai. The pair had met in Dubai four years ago and Shaikh had painted a portrait of Pillai. Ever since, Pillai has been keen on bringing the artist to India.